James Mugford

James Mugford (19 May 1749-19 May 1776) was a captain of the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War.

Biography
James Mugford was born on 19 May 1749, and he became the captain of the schooner USS Franklin in 1775. Along with John Manley's squadron, Mugford preyed on Great Britain's Royal Navy off Boston, but on 19 May 1776 he was deceived by some British marines claiming to be friends from Boston. They boarded his ship from their thirteen boats, leading to a battle in which many British were slain by Mugford's valiant crew. Mugford shouted, "Don't give up the ship!", rallying his men to fight on. 60-70 British were killed, but Mugford was run through with a lance while cutting the hands of British trying to climb aboard the Franklin, and he died a valiant death.